Kellogg High School postponed its graduation ceremony because the Idaho school district feared that the event might be targeted by “outside groups and agitators” after it banned a school senior from the ceremony on Thursday.
The school has reportedly received some threatening phone calls after the student, later identified as Travis Lohr, was banned from the event. The local law enforcement authorities also received reports that hostile demonstrators were on their way from outside the Kellogg school district to support the student.
“We did receive word that a large number of protesters were coming from out of county to organize with our local cause; however, the group is known for violence during protests which is concerning,” Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey wrote on Facebook. “In the last few days, KHS also received several phone calls threatening violence. Due to the threat of violence, the Kellogg School District made the decision to cancel tomorrow’s graduation.”
The school also confirmed the decision on its own social media account. “When it is determined that the ceremony can be held safely, that information will be shared,” a post made Friday reads. “We regret having to make this very difficult decision but the safety of our staff, students, their families and local law enforcement is our top priority.”
However, in the end, Kellogg High School’s graduation ceremony went off “without a hitch” Saturday.
Who is Travis Lohr?
Travis Lohr is a Kellogg High School senior who participated in an event on Thursday where seniors share advice for lowerclassmen. Lohr went off script while delivering a speech, saying “Guys are guys and girls are girls. There is no in-between.”
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The fallout was immediate as Principal Dan Davidian informed Lohr that hewill not be allowed to walk in his graduation ceremony on Saturday.
Travis later sat down with Idaho Freedom Foundation’s president Wayne Hoffman to share his reaction on the matter. “I didn’t direct it at any groups or anything like that; it was just something I chose to say in the moment,” Travis explained. “There was a short pause, and then an uproar of cheers.”
A protest began in support of Lohr, where at least a 100 students and parents staged a walk, along with a school bus driver, who was later relieved by the school without prior notice. “I’m sorry I won’t be driving anymore and that I will miss them all very much! I hope they always stand up for themselves, even if it’s hard. It has been an honor and a privilege,” the driver said.
Classes were canceled and and students were released from the school at 10:45 a.m.
